MSS 2223/398-401 are set with classical Roman intaglios. The magical powers of different stones were codified in the medieval Lapidary, a text particularly popular in England in the 13th c., and engraved gems assumed an even greater amuletic character. The re-use of Roman gems in seal matrices was widespread in the Middle Ages. In addition to their amuletic properties, intaglios were well adapted to their original purpose of making an impression on a sealing, and they were readily mounted in silver and gold for an important and wealthy clientele. They were seldom set in more ordinary bronze since the heat required to make the setting probably would have cracked the gem. A great number of gems found in English medieval settings are from before the Roman Conquest of Britain in AD 43, which suggests that although some were found on Roman sites in Britain many were imported during the Middle Ages.